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Tailormade Journey · Luxury rail journey

Maharaja Express - The Indian Panorama

Seven-day luxury train journey Delhi to Varanasi through Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh

Illustration of Maharaja Express - The Indian Panorama

Tailormade Journey's Maharajas' Express journey is a seven-night luxury train experience that loops from New Delhi through Rajasthan and central India before returning to the capital. Starting in Delhi with registration at Safdarjung station and a welcome drink accompanied by live instrumental music, the train carries guests through the royal city of Jaipur, the wildlife reserves of Ranthambore, the deserted Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri, the Taj Mahal in Agra, temple villages in Orchha and Khajuraho, and the sacred Ganges River at Varanasi. The itinerary alternates between guided excursions to museums, forts, and UNESCO World Heritage temples, and leisurely stretches on the train where meals are served in dining cars. A Guest Relations Executive remains with the group throughout, and optional activities (spa treatments, private car tours, dance performances) are available at most stops. This package suits luxury-focused travelers, history enthusiasts, and couples seeking curated cultural immersion without the logistics of independent travel. The on-board experience emphasizes comfort and service; travelers sleep, dine, and spend leisure time in their private cabins as the landscape passes outside.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of USD 8,400 (Deluxe Cabin) does not include 5% GST levied by the Government of India, which is charged extra
  • Single occupancy pricing starts at USD 6,300, significantly lower than half the per-person double rate, reflecting limited single availability
  • Optional activities (spa, private car with guide, fort visits, dance shows) incur additional costs and are not detailed in the core package

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Maharajas Express Train

    (Sunday) Delhi – Board Maharajas Express The Indian Panorama

    Assemble at Delhi Safdarjung station around 0730 hours for registration and check-in with a welcome drink and live instrumental music. Train departs for Jaipur at 0830 hours; lunch on-board. Deboard around 1500 hours to visit the City Palace galleries (Textile, Arms and Arts Museums) including the Guinness World Record Sterling Silver Vessels. Dinner at Rambagh Palace Hotel, returning to the station by 2030 hours.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Maharajas Express Train

    (Monday) Jaipur, Rajasthan

    Deboard around 0830 hours to visit Amber Fort (Sheesh Mahal, Hall of Victory). Return to the train for lunch, or choose optional activities (spa, or private car with guide). Dinner on-board as the train departs for Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore).

  3. Day 3railovernight: Maharajas Express Train

    (Tuesday) Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan; and Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh

    Early morning safari game drive in Ranthambore National Park. Continue by train to Fatehpur Sikri, disembarking at 1530 hours for a tour of the deserted Mughal capital (UNESCO World Heritage Site). 'Indian Evening' on-board followed by dinner.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Maharajas Express Train

    (Wednesday) Agra, Uttar Pradesh; and Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

    Early morning arrival into Agra; visit the Taj Mahal, followed by breakfast atop the Taj Khema overlooking the monument. Return to the train for lunch; afternoon at leisure or optional activities (spa or Agra Fort). Dinner on-board as the train proceeds towards Orchha.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Maharajas Express Train

    (Thursday) Orchha and Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

    Disembark at Orchha Railway Station at 0700 hours to visit the village and Orchha Fort, with a Tuk Tuk ride through the hinterland. Return to the train for breakfast, then lunch on-board while travelling to Khajuraho. Tour of the western group of temples (UNESCO World Heritage Site), including the Kandariya Mahadev Temple. Evening optional activities (dance show, spa, or sound and light show).

  6. Day 6railovernight: Maharajas Express Train

    (Friday) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

    Breakfast on-board arriving into Varanasi. Following disembarkation, lunch at Hotel Taj Ganges, then visit the ancient ruins of Sarnath. Boat cruise on the Ganges via a Silk Weaving Centre, witnessing the evening aarti at the ghats. Dinner on-board as the train departs for Delhi.

  7. Day 7rail

    (Saturday) Delhi (Train Disembark)

    Leisurely breakfast on-board as the train arrives into Delhi. Disembark around 1200 hours at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station, bidding farewell to the Maharajas' Express.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board the Maharajas' Express at Delhi Safdarjung station with a welcome drink and live instrumental music; train departs at 0830 hours for Jaipur
  • Day 3Early morning wildlife safari in Ranthambore National Park, followed by a tour of Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted Mughal capital
  • Day 4Early morning arrival in Agra; visit the Taj Mahal and enjoy champagne breakfast at Taj Khema overlooking the monument
  • Day 6Boat cruise on the Ganges River via a Silk Weaving Centre, witnessing the evening aarti (prayer ceremony) at the ghats; dinner with Kathak Dance at Brij Rama Palace

Not included

  • 5% GST levied by the Government of India, extra on top of the fares

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included in the price?
Yes, accommodation and travel aboard the Maharajas' Express is included. The 5% GST levied by the Government of India is charged separately on top of the stated fare.
What is included in the price?
On-board accommodation in a cabin, meals, most sightseeing at major sites (Taj Mahal, temples, City Palace, Ranthambore safari, Sarnath), boat cruise on the Ganges, and a Guest Relations Executive throughout the journey.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is fully escorted. A Guest Relations Executive and on-board facilitators guide guests throughout the journey; all major sites include organized tours.
What trains does this journey use?
The entire journey is aboard the Maharajas' Express, a luxury train with Deluxe Cabin, Junior Suite, Suite, and Presidential Suite accommodations.
How many nights are spent on the train?
Six nights out of seven; the train departs Delhi on Day 1 and returns Day 7 around midday.
When does this journey run?
Tailormade Journey operates departures from October through April across 2026, 2027, and 2028, with additional dates in early 2028. Confirm exact departure dates when booking.

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